Sheriff Asks For Help Identifying Person After Shots Fired Near C-470 And Ken Caryl

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Gunshots rang out near C-470 and Ken Caryl Avenue Friday morning, prompting a warning for people to avoid the area near 7800 Shaffer Parkway or stay inside. That alert was lifted just before noon.

(credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

Multiple people reported hearing shots at about 6:30 a.m., at or near the shopping center that contains a Safeway, a McDonald’s and other stores, according to Jenny Fulton with the sheriff’s office.

Roads were closed in the area and nearby schools were on lockout for several hours.

“You see on the news and it’s somewhere in Florida or somewhere on the other side of the country, but when you see it’s like your Safeway that’s half a mile away from you, it’s more personal,” said Chatfield High School sophomore Cooper White.

The sheriff’s office later released a video confirming shots had been fired and asked for the public’s help identifying one person seen in the area.

“This video was taken this morning by a witness to shots fired in the area of Ken Caryl and Shaffer Drive. In the upper left corner, an individual is seen getting into a silver passenger vehicle,” the sheriff’s office stated.

There is no information available about the possible shooter.

After releasing the video, the sheriff’s office said it was okay for people to leave homes and businesses in the area.

“It’s now safe for residents and business owners in the area of Ken Caryl and Shaffer to exit their homes and businesses. Thank you for your patience and our investigation continues. Please share the video we tweeted. All tips are appreciated,” the sheriff’s office tweeted a little before noon.

“It felt, I don’t know, kind of normal. Almost used to it in this day and age so it’s sort of saturated down and we’re used to it by now,” said Chatfield High School sophomore Cic Huniec.

Diana M. Wilson with Jeffco Public Schools issued the following statement just after 7 a.m.:

“Families at Bradford schools, Chatfield, Collegiate Academy, Falcon Bluffs, Mortensen, Shaffer and Ute Meadows, There is police activity near Ken Caryl and C470. If you have not yet left for school, please stay home. If your student is already en route to school or already at school, we are following district protocols for safety and security. All schools in the area will be or are already on lockout. Because of this, nobody will be allowed in or out, so please do not come to the school to try to pick your student up. We will update when the situation is resolved.”

At about 9:45 a.m., Wilson said only Ute Meadows and Chatfield High School remained on lockout status. The lockout was lifted at those schools at about 11:30 a.m.